Chelsea paid for costly errors in Arsenal defeat, says Rosenior
Liam Rosenior conceded that Chelsea suffered due to expensive errors as Arsenal capitalised on their opponents mistakes to secure a 3-2 victory in the League Cup semi final first leg on Wednesday.
Roseniors squad now confronts a challenging challenge to reach the final against either Manchester City or Newcastle after their mistake filled performance in the new managers initial home fixture.
Chelsea were at fault for loose defending on Ben Whites initial headed strike before keeper Robert Sanchez handed Arsenal their second goal to forward Viktor Gyokeres following the interval.
Alejandro Garnacho pulled one back for Chelsea yet Martin Zubimendi scored for Arsenal amid further poor defence from Roseniors group.
Replacement Garnachos additional goal offered Chelsea a slight chance going into the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium in February.
"Upset to give away from a corner. Upset with the third as we were back in contention and dominating then," Rosenior remarked.
"We lost focus from a restart of a central free kick but I cannot blame the players.
"We must ensure strong individual efforts and avoid leaking so many goals."
Rosenior lacked several vital team members including Cole Palmer Reece James and Liam Delap owing to injuries and sickness.
Its another step
In his second outing since taking over from Enzo Maresca as Blues head coach the 41 year old drew positivity from Chelseas persistent battle to regain ground in the contest.
"We have dealt with illness in the group and suffered some injuries this week yet the squad demonstrated willingness to sprint and battle together," he noted.
Rosenior who guided a 5-1 FA Cup third round triumph over Charlton in his first match last weekend declined to criticise Sanchez for yet another in a series of unsteady showings.
"Rob is an excellent goalkeeper. He pulled off a superb stop at 3-1 to maintain our involvement so plenty to refine but the teams general mindset pleased me," Rosenior commented.
"Fingers crossed we recover some players for Brentford on Saturday."
Arsenal remain undefeated across 10 matches in various tournaments as they edge nearer to their initial trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.
The Gunners had endured defeats in their prior four semi finals spanning different events including the League Cup the previous season.
Mikel Arteta commended Arsenals capacity to control Chelsea over extended spells but he regretted their inability to finish off the London opponents.
"I must applaud the players for their display versus strong adversaries. Its a demanding venue to visit. That is why I truly appreciate the teams efforts once more," Arteta stated.
"We missed two huge opportunities for the fourth and the outcome would have shifted dramatically. Then they generated a moment and netted. Thus the sensation differs greatly. Its still alive."
Besides topping the Premier League Arsenal continue pursuing Champions League and FA Cup success.
However following numerous semi final disappointments lately Arteta refuses to assume victory.
"Its another advance. Its merely half time. We recognise the fierce battle awaiting at the Emirates shortly since they are elite," he added.
"Our schedule every three days is remarkable."